How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in California?

You must be at least 15.5 years old to get a learner's permit in California. You must hold your permit for at least 6 months before moving to the next stage.

What are the restrictions for an intermediate license in California?

California intermediate license holders must be at least 16 years old. There is a curfew from 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM.

When can you get a full unrestricted license in California?

In California, you can get a full unrestricted driver's license at age 17.

California Graduated Driver License (GDL) Laws

Last verified: 2026-03

California uses a graduated driver license (GDL) system to help new drivers build skills in stages. Here is a breakdown of each stage, the requirements, and the restrictions you need to know.

Stage 1

Learner's Permit

15.5

Minimum age

Stage 2

Intermediate License

Minimum age

Stage 3

Full License

Minimum age

Stage 1: Learner's Permit

Minimum age: 15.5
Holding period: 6 months
Supervised driving hours: 50 hours
Nighttime driving hours: 10 hours
Supervisor minimum age: 25 years old

Stage 2: Intermediate (Provisional) License

Minimum age: 16
Curfew hours: 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM
Passenger exceptions: No passengers under 20 for first 12 months unless accompanied by a licensed driver 25 or older; family members exempt
Cell phone use banned: Yes

Stage 3: Full Unrestricted License

Minimum age for full license

At this age, all GDL restrictions are removed and you can drive without limits on passengers, curfew, or supervision.

Penalties for GDL Violations

First violation results in a fine; subsequent violations may result in 30-day license suspension and extended GDL restrictions

California-Specific Information

One of the stricter GDL states. No passengers under 20 for the first 12 months. Supervisor must be 25 or older with a valid license. Exceptions for employment, school, medical necessity, and family member transport with a signed note from parent.

Frequently Asked Questions

A graduated driver license (GDL) is a system that lets new drivers in California gain experience in stages. You start with a learner's permit, move to an intermediate license, and then earn a full unrestricted license. Each stage has its own rules and restrictions.

You can get your learner's permit in California at age 15.5. You must hold your permit for at least 6 months before moving to the intermediate license stage.

During the intermediate license stage, California restricts driving between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM. This curfew is in place until you get your full unrestricted license at age 17.

You can get your full unrestricted driver's license in California at age 17. At that point, all GDL restrictions on curfew, passengers, and supervision are removed.

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This information is based on nonprofit-research sources. Requirements can change. Visit your state's official DMV website for the most current information.